1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods
one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of temperamental
One key to Bad Mary’s persistence in the American mind can be found in the temperamental polarity that first drew Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln to each other.
—
Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Early systems, however, were expensive, heavy, temperamental, and suited mainly to reconnaissance or sniper roles.
—David Szondy
may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
The weather also proved to be exceptionally temperamental, and those on the base had many other duties to attend to.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
This helps to reduce the drastic temperature swing of nightfall and insulate plants from frosts during the temperamental spring season.
—Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Early systems, however, were expensive, heavy, temperamental, and suited mainly to reconnaissance or sniper roles.
—David Szondy
may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
The weather also proved to be exceptionally temperamental, and those on the base had many other duties to attend to.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
This helps to reduce the drastic temperature swing of nightfall and insulate plants from frosts during the temperamental spring season.
—Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
Adjective
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The lighting is dim and moody, glowing paper lanterns cast a red glow over the space, and there’s Vietnamese pop music playing over the speakers.—
Mark DeJoy,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 June 2026
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The marvelous Master Chorale marvelously set the moody scene for triumph.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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Mario Tama | Getty Images Global stock markets remain volatile amid uncertainty in the Middle East and a focus on artificial intelligence stocks.—
TipRanks.com Staff,
CNBC,
7 June 2026
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But beyond this picturesque scene, there is a volatile combination of brutal rebel violence and a burgeoning Ebola outbreak.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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Mickey Todiwala Leaving software engineering wasn't an impulsive decision.—
Mike Winters
Mickey Todiwala,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
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What moved me most in The Testaments was its cast of teenage girls — the Plums seemed to be sparkling, creative, impulsive, curious, deeply loyal, and ready to question the world around them.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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The two men emerged from a crowded field of candidates in the most unpredictable governor’s race in more than a quarter of a century.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
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Prices are subject to rapid, unpredictable changes due to factors like, but not limited to, supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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Because the chemicals and the tank were deemed unstable, responders couldn't immediately access all the areas of the facility to search for additional victims, officials said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
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So we are used to operating in a very unstable context.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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